Is Hopping a Sign of Happiness or Fear?

[Dearbrea]

I am brand new to Backyardchickens.com and also brand new to quail ownership. I hatched out 7 great looking Coturnix about a week ago. I have noticed that whenever I come in the room and talk to them, a few will run up to the container wall where I am and start hopping frantically. It’s not one or two hops, it’s hopping for awhile. I want to make sure I’m not scaring them, but it seems like happy hopping. Is this normal behavior?

 

[sourland]

They are going, "Mom, mom where have you been."

 

[Dearbrea]

They are going, "Mom, mom where have you been."

Ok good! I wasn’t really able to find any info about behavior when they’re excited, so I was just wanting to make sure it wasn’t defensive or scared behavior.

 

[2 many chickens]

My buttons do this sometimes. Its when they want a refill of feed or some treats. They know I'm the one that feeds them. Little necks about break to look up at me lol

 

[Quailobsessed]

My quails jump around all the time. They seem happy when they're doing it.

 

[Green Bean Quail]

My males will hop when I’m bringing in fresh grass or basil, they try to leap onto the dish before it’s even on the ground! Unless they’re dramatically or frantically trying to avoid you I think they’re good